Soldier platform system

ABSTRACT

A soldier platform system and method includes a soldier platform system in a vehicle. In an embodiment, the soldier platform system includes a seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat and straps. The soldier platform system also includes a restraint harness belt. The restraint harness belt is secured to the seat assembly. In addition, the soldier platform system includes mounting assemblies. The straps attach the seat to the mounting assemblies. The soldier platform system further includes a ratchet platform that has a platform upper assembly and a platform lower assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of restraint systems and morespecifically to the field of adjustable height soldier restraint systemsfor use in a military vehicle.

2. Background of the Invention

Occupants of vehicles often need to be in an elevated position withinthe vehicle. For instance, in military vehicles, occupants of themilitary vehicles may need to expose the upper portion of the occupants'bodies outside of the vehicle. Such instances include the need tooperate weaponry, improve vision outside of the military vehicle, andthe like. Problems occur in such situations with fatigue involved withthe individuals having to stand in such positions for long periods oftime. Further problems include securing the occupant inside the vehicleduring motion of the vehicle and also during a vehicle roll over toprevent injury of the occupant.

Consequently, there is a need for a restraint system to protect soldiersin a vehicle. Additional needs include an improved restraint system thatsecures an occupant in a vehicle and that also provides a seat to theoccupant.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

These and other needs in the art are addressed in one embodiment by asoldier platform system that includes a seat assembly. The seat assemblyincludes a seat and straps. The soldier platform system also includes arestraint harness belt. The restraint harness belt is secured to theseat assembly. In addition, the soldier platform system includesmounting assemblies. The straps attach the seat to the mountingassemblies. The soldier platform system further includes a ratchetplatform that has a platform upper assembly and a platform lowerassembly.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as abasis for modifying or designing other embodiments for carrying out thesame purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized bythose skilled in the art that such equivalent embodiments do not departfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of theinvention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a soldier platform systemhaving a seat assembly, a restraint harness belt, a shoulder harness, aplatform upper assembly, and a platform lower assembly;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a seat assembly and a restraintharness belt;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a seat assembly;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a seat assembly;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective bottom view of a seat assembly;

FIG. 6 illustrates a mounting assembly and a release assembly;

FIG. 7 illustrates a mounting assembly, mounting strap, and a releaseassembly;

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a restraint harness belt;

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a seat assembly, a restraint harnessbelt, and a shoulder harness;

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a restraint harness belt and ashoulder harness;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a restraint harness belt and ashoulder harness;

FIG. 12 illustrates a back view of a restraint harness belt and ashoulder harness;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a ratchet platform having aplatform upper assembly and a platform lower assembly;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a ratchet platform having aplatform upper assembly and a platform lower assembly;

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective bottom view of a platform upperassembly;

FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom view of a platform upper assembly;

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of a platform upper assembly;

FIG. 18 illustrates an exploded view of a platform upper assembly;

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a platform lower assembly;

FIG. 20 illustrates an exploded view of a platform lower assembly;

FIG. 21 illustrates a ratchet platform with an exploded view of aplatform upper assembly actuator;

FIG. 22 illustrates a cross sectional side view of a ratchet platform;

FIG. 23 illustrates a pedal sub assembly;

FIG. 24 illustrates an upper linkage;

FIG. 25 illustrates a torsion spring;

FIG. 26 illustrates a ratchet platform having a platform upper assembly,a platform lower assembly, a ratchet platform attachment means, anenergy attenuation system, a base plate, and a seat plate;

FIG. 27 illustrates a side view of the ratchet platform of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of the ratchet platform of FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 illustrates an energy attenuation system;

FIG. 30 illustrates a base plate and a seat plate;

FIG. 31 illustrates a cross sectional top view of a seat plate and abase plate;

FIG. 32 illustrates a base plate;

FIG. 33 illustrates a seat plate;

FIG. 34 illustrates a base plate rail;

FIG. 35 illustrates a seat plate rail;

FIG. 36 illustrates a base plate shim bar; and

FIG. 37 illustrates a ratchet platform attachment means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a soldier platform system 5 having aseat assembly 10, a restraint harness belt 15, and a ratchet platform70, which includes a platform upper assembly 240 and a platform lowerassembly 365. In some embodiments, soldier platform system 5 alsoincludes a shoulder harness 150. In other embodiments, soldier platformsystem 5 includes energy attenuation system 205. Additional embodimentsinclude soldier platform system 5 having a base plate 210 and a seatplate 215.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of seat assembly 10 and restraintharness belt 15. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, seat assembly 10 includesseat 20. Seat 20 may include any type of seat suitable for use in avehicle. Seat 20 may also be composed of any material suitable for usein a vehicle. Without limitation, seat 20 may be composed of leather,plastic, nylon, and the like. In some embodiments, seat 20 includes acushion. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of seat20. Seat 20 may have any configuration suitable for an individual (i.e.,soldier) to sit upon. FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an embodiment ofseat 20. As illustrated, straps 40 are attached to seat 20. Straps 40are attached to seat 20 by strap attachment means 50. Strap attachmentmeans 50 include any means suitable for attaching straps 40 to seat 20.In embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, strap attachment means 50are brackets that allow straps 40 and seat 20 to swivel in relation toeach other. Straps 40 may be composed of any material suitable for usein a vehicle such as nylon, leather, and the like. In some embodiments,straps 40 are suitably attached on opposing sides of seat 20 to providebalance to an individual sitting in seat 20. In embodiments asillustrated in FIGS. 1-4, two straps 40 are attached to seat 20. Inalternative embodiments (not illustrated), more than two straps 40 areattached to seat 20. Mounting assemblies 30, 30′ attach soldier platformsystem 5 to the interior of the vehicle.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of seat 20in which seat 20 includes seat base strap 90. Seat base strap 90includes base strap attachment means 95. Seat base strap 90 may beattached to bottom side 175 of seat 20 by any suitable means. In anembodiment as illustrated in FIG. 5, seat base strap 90 is attached tostrap attachment means 50 and is disposed on bottom side 175. Base strapattachment means 95 includes any means suitable for securing seat 20 toplatform lower assembly 365. In an embodiment, seat base strap 90 hassufficient tension between the strap attachment means 50 to providecontact between seat base strap 90 and bottom side 175 and to notsubstantially lose the contact when secured to platform lower assembly365.

In an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 2, mounting assemblies 30, 30′are secured inside the vehicle. In some embodiments, mounting assemblies30, 30′ are secured to inside surfaces such as walls of the vehicle or agun turret of the vehicle. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of soldierplatform system 5 having mounting assemblies 30, 30′ on opposing sidesof seat 20. In embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 2, one mountingassembly 30 has an attached release assembly 35. The attached releaseassembly 35 is attached to a strap 40 that attaches mounting assembly 30to seat 20. Strap 40 may be secured to seat 20 by any suitable means. Inan embodiment as illustrated, strap 40 is secured to seat 20 by strapattachment means 50. Strap attachment means 50 includes any meanssuitable for attaching a strap to a seat. In an embodiment as shown,strap attachment means 50 is a bracket that swivels. Without limitation,a bracket that swivels allows limited motion of seat 20. In someembodiments, strap 40 includes adjusting means 80. Adjusting means 80 isany means suitable for adjusting the length of strap 40 between releaseassembly 35 and seat 20. The other mounting assembly 30′ has an attachedmounting strap 45 with a release assembly 35 attached on the opposingend of mounting strap 45 from mounting assembly 30′. In someembodiments, mounting strap 45 includes adjusting means 80. Seat 20 isattached to mounting assembly 30′ by a strap 40 that attaches therelease assembly 35 to seat 20. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment thathas two mounting assemblies 30, 30′ but it is to be understood thatsoldier platform system 5 is not limited to two mounting assemblies 30,30′ but in alternative embodiments (not illustrated) may have more thantwo mounting assemblies. Mounting assemblies 30, 30′ are secured in thevehicle at a sufficient height to suspend seat 20 at a desirable heightin the vehicle (i.e., from the floor or a platform in the vehicle).Adjusting means 80 allow the length of straps 40, 45 to be adjusted toadjust the suspension height of seat 20. Straps 40 attach seat 20 torelease assemblies 35 by attachment means 85. Attachment means 85 mayinclude any suitable means for attaching a strap to an object such as ahook, bracket, latch, and the like. Straps 40, 45 have a sufficienttension to facilitate suspension of seat 20 but in some embodiments alsohave a sufficient tension to allow the individual to have a desirableamount of movement while secured in seat 20. For instance, in anembodiment in which soldier platform system 5 is secured in the vehicleto allow the individual to sit in a gun turret of the vehicle, thesoldier may have a desire to move about in the interior when operating aweapon in a combat situation or to view outside the vehicle. Mountingassemblies 30, 30′ may be secured in the vehicle at any degrees apart toprovide a seat 20 of sufficient stability to allow an individual to sitin seat 20.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of soldier platform system 5 inwhich one mounting assembly 30 has a release assembly 35 attached to themounting assembly 30, and the other mounting assembly 30′ has a releaseassembly 35 attached with a mounting strap 45 attached in between themounting assembly 30′ and the release assembly 35. Without limitation,the mounting assembly 30 has the release assembly 35 attached to providea release assembly 35 at a sufficient proximity to the individualsitting in seat 20 to allow the individual to pull the release assembly35 and quickly drop seat 20. Further, without limitation, the mountingassembly 30′ has the release assembly 35 at a lower position in relationto seat 20 to provide a release assembly 35 at a sufficient proximity toother individuals in the vehicle to pull the release assembly 35 andquickly drop seat 20. For instance, soldier platform system 5 may bemounted in a gun turret of the vehicle wherein the soldier secured insoldier platform system 5 has the upper portion of the soldier's bodyexposed outside of the vehicle. In a combat situation, the soldiersecured in soldier platform system 5 may desire to quickly drop down inthe vehicle for protection by the vehicle. In such a situation, therelease assembly 35 attached to mounting assembly 30 provides aconvenient release assembly 35 by which the soldier may pull and releaseseat 20, thereby allowing the soldier to drop into the vehicle forprotection. The soldier may also pull the release assembly 35 attachedto the mounting assembly 30′ with the mounting strap 45 in between, but,with seat 20 in an elevated position allowing the soldier to bepositioned in the gun turret, the position of such release assembly 35provides a convenient release for other soldiers in the vehicle to pulland release seat 20 to allow the soldier to drop into the vehicle forprotection. For instance, the soldier may be injured and unable to pulla release strap 135, and such lower positioned release strap 135 allowsthe other soldiers to pull the release strap 135 and thereby allow theinjured soldier to be quickly protected inside the vehicle. It is to beunderstood that soldier platform system 5 is not limited to releaseassembly 35 attached to one mounting assembly 30 and another releaseassembly 35 disposed at a lower position in relation to seat 20. Soldierplatform system 5 may have release assemblies 35 disposed at anyposition in relation to seat 20. In an alternative embodiment (notillustrated), a mounting assembly 30 and/or 30′ may have one releaseassembly 35 attached to the respective mounting assembly and at leastone other release assembly 35 disposed between the one release assembly35 and seat 20. In other alternative embodiments (not illustrated), bothmounting assemblies 30, 30′ have a release assembly 35 attached to therespective mounting assembly 30, 30′. In some alternative embodiments(not illustrated), both mounting assemblies 30, 30′ have an attachedrelease assembly 35 with a mounting strap 45 disposed between therespective mounting assembly and the release assembly 35. It is to beunderstood that when one release assembly 35 is pulled to release seat20 from the respective mounting assembly 30 or 30′, seat 20 remainssecured to the other mounting assembly 30 or 30′, which protects theindividual secured in soldier platform system 5 in the event of a rollover or injury from other motion of the vehicle.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a mounting assembly 30 with releaseassembly 35 attached. For illustration purposes only, mounting assembly30 is shown in an exploded view. Mounting assembly 30 may include anysuitable method for securing a strap to a wall. For instance, mountingassembly 30 may include nails, hooks, screws, adhesives, studs, magnets,and the like. In an embodiment as illustrated, mounting assembly 30includes a bond stud 100, which secures bracket 125 of release assembly35 within the vehicle. In an embodiment in which bond stud 100 securesbracket 125 to a steel surface inside the vehicle, the surface of thesteel may be prepared and then bond stud 100 may be allowed to cure onthe steel. In some embodiments, a bushing 105 slides over bond stud 100.Other embodiments also include mounting assembly 30 including othersecuring means such as washer 110, lock washer 115, and nut 120. Withoutlimitation, with mounting assembly 30 including bond stud 100, thevehicle surface does not need to be welded or drilled to secure seat 20,which provides a reinforced substrate strength and facilitates corrosionresistance. Further, without limitation, welding or drilling on armorplate steel may compromise the integrity of the armor system.

As shown in FIG. 6, release assembly 35 includes latch and base release130 and release strap 135. In the embodiment as shown, mounting assembly30 secures release assembly 35 by securing bracket 125 to the vehicle,with the bracket 125 attached to latch and base release 130 by tether25. Release assembly 35 has another bracket 125 on the opposing end ofrelease assembly 35 to secure release assembly 35 to strap 40 (notillustrated). A sufficient pulling force applied to release strap 135releases latch and base release 130, releasing strap 40 from mountingassembly 30. Without limitation, release assembly 35 provides a quickrelease mechanism. Strap 40 may be re-attached to mounting assembly 30by re-connecting latch and base release 130 together. In an embodiment,release strap 135 has a reflector 140. Reflector 140 includes anyreflective material that is suitable for attachment to a strap 40 andfor use in a military vehicle. Without limitation, reflector 140improves the visibility of release strap 135. It is to be understoodthat release assembly 35 is not limited to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6 but may include any other mechanisms suitable for allowing such aquick release. In an embodiment, release assembly 35 is a quick releasemechanism of the type referred to as an ejector hook for use in theparachute industry.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which mounting assembly 30′ isattached to mounting strap 45 with release assembly 35 attached tomounting strap 45 on the opposing end from mounting assembly 30′. Forillustration purposes only, mounting assembly 30 is shown in an explodedview. In an embodiment as shown, mounting strap 45 has a length that isadjustable by adjusting means 80. Bond stud 100 passes through bracket125 to secure mounting strap 45, with the opposing end of mounting strap45 secured to release assembly 35. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, strap 40is secured to the opposing end of release assembly 35 from mountingstrap 45.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of restraint harness belt 15 in whichrestraint harness belt 15 has belt strap 60 and bracket 125. Belt strap60 has bracket 125 secured to one end and belt release 145 secured tothe opposing end of belt strap 60. Belt release 145 is any mechanismsuitable for receiving bracket 125 and securing ends 180 and 185together. It is to be understood that restraint harness belt 15 is notlimited to bracket 125 and belt release 145 but may include any othersuitable means for attaching ends 180 and 185 together. In an embodimentas shown, belt strap 60 has an adjustable length, which allows beltstrap 60 to be adjusted to the waist of the individual to suitablysecure the individual in soldier platform system 5. In an embodiment asillustrated in FIG. 8, pull strap 75 is attached to the releasemechanism of belt release 145. A suitable pulling force applied to pullstrap 75 activates the release mechanism and releases bracket 125 frombelt release 145. Without limitation, pull strap 75 provides a quickrelease of restraint harness belt 15 and allows the individual to exitrestraint harness belt 15 quickly. In an embodiment as illustrated inFIG. 8, restraint harness belt 15 has belt pad 65. Belt pad 65 may haveany configuration and size suitable for providing a cushion between theindividual and bracket 125 and belt release 145 when secured to eachother.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an embodiment of soldier platform system 5 in whichrestraint harness belt 15 is attached to seat assembly 10 by tethers 55.The tethers 55 may be secured to any suitable part of seat assembly 10.In an embodiment, tethers 55 are secured to straps 40 and/or seat 20.Tethers 55 are also secured to belt strap 60. Tethers 55 may be securedto belt strap 60 at any suitable location. In an embodiment, tethers 55are slidably attached to belt strap 60, which allows the location oftethers 55 to be adjusted. Without limitation, adjusting the location oftethers 55 on belt strap 60 allows their location to be adjusted to takeinto account an adjustment in the length of belt strap 60. Tethers 55may be secured to seat assembly 10 by any suitable means. In anembodiment, tethers 55, straps 40, and mounting strap 45 have sufficienttension to maintain the desired suspension of seat 20 to secure theindividual within soldier platform system 5 but also to allow theindividual a desired amount of ability to conduct desired tasks (i.e.,operate a weapon in the gun turret, lean over, turn body to view outsidevehicle, and the like).

In some embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 9, soldier platformsystem 5 has a shoulder harness 150 attached to restraint harness belt15. FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of shoulder harness 150 attached torestraint harness belt 15. Shoulder harness 150 includes shoulderharness straps 170. FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an embodiment ofsoldier platform system 5 having shoulder harness 150. In an embodimentas illustrated, shoulder harness 150 has two shoulder harness straps 170that are each attached to the front side 190 and back side 195 ofrestraint harness belt 15. Each shoulder harness strap 170 passes overthe shoulder of the individual. Shoulder harness straps 170 have atension sufficient to secure the individual within soldier platformsystem 5 but that also allows the individual to conduct desired tasks.In some embodiments, the width between shoulder harness straps 170 isadjustable. Without limitation, adjusting the width between shoulderharness straps 170 allows the shoulder width of different individuals tobe taken into account. The width may be adjusted by any suitable means.In embodiments as illustrated, belt strap 60 passes through loops 200 ineach shoulder harness strap 170 to allow adjustment of the width. It isto be understood that shoulder harness 150 is not limited to twoshoulder harness traps 170 but in alternative embodiments (notillustrated) may also include more than two shoulder harness straps 170.In embodiments as illustrated, shoulder harness straps 170 each have arelease assembly 35. In an embodiment, the release assemblies 35 haverelease straps 135. In some embodiments, the release assemblies 35 arelocated in the front of shoulder harness straps 170. Without limitation,locating the release assemblies 35 in the front of shoulder harnessstraps 170 allows the individual to release the shoulder harness 150,with the release straps 135 allowing a quick release. In alternativeembodiments (not illustrated), only one of the shoulder harness straps170 has a release assembly 35. In some embodiments as illustrated,shoulder harness straps 170 have buckle pads 165, which are disposedbetween the individual and release assembly 35. Buckle pads 165 may haveany configuration and size suitable for providing a cushion between theindividual and release assembly 35 when secured to each other. In someembodiments, shoulder harness 150 also includes back supports 160. FIG.12 illustrates a back view of shoulder harness 150 and restraint harnessbelt 15 showing back supports 160. Shoulder harness 150 may have anydesirable number of back supports 160. In embodiments as illustrated,shoulder harness 150 has a back support 160 in an upper region ofshoulder harness 150 and a back support 160 in a lower region ofshoulder harness 150. Without limitation, such locations of backsupports 160 provide support for the upper and lower back of theindividual. Back supports 160 may be composed of any suitable material.In some embodiments as illustrated, shoulder harness straps 170 alsohave shoulder pads 155. Without limitation, shoulder pads 155 provide acushion to the shoulders of the individual.

FIGS. 1, 13, and 14 illustrate ratchet platform 70 having platform upperassembly 240 and platform lower assembly 365. Ratchet platform 70 isadapted for disposition within a vehicle. Platform upper assembly 240includes toe queue 370, platform grating 375, and ratchet 395. Toe queue370 is a wall that extends around the periphery of platform 415, asshown in FIG. 15. Without limitation, toe queue 370 facilitatesprevention of an individual standing on ratchet platform 70 from fallingoff ratchet platform 70 by stopping sliding of a foot of the individualoff ratchet platform 70. When the standing individual's foot contactstoe queue 370, toe queue 370 also provides notice to the standingindividual that the individual's foot is at the edge of platform 415.Platform grating 375 has any configuration and material suitable forproviding resistance against sliding of the standing individual's foot.Platform lower assembly 365 includes platform upper assembly actuator380, platform base 385, and support column 390. Platform upper assemblyactuator 380 may include any means for actuating vertical movement(i.e., up and down) of platform upper assembly 240 such as a pedal subassembly, an electrical actuator, a crank actuator, and the like. In anembodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 13, and 14, platform upperassembly actuator 380 includes pedal sub assembly 540. Pedal subassembly 540 actuates ratchet 395 and thereby actuates movement ofplatform upper assembly 240. Support column 390 provides support toplatform 415 and also provides protection to the portion of platformupper assembly actuator 380 disposed within support column 390. Platformbase 385 provides a base and support to platform upper assembly 240 andsupport column 390.

FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom perspective view of platform upper assembly240, and FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom view of platform upper assembly240. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, platform upper assembly 240 includesplatform 415. Platform 415 may be composed of any material having asuitable strength to support the weight of an individual standing onplatform 415. Platform 415 is shown having a rectangular shape but it isto be understood that platform 415 is not limited to a rectangular shapebut instead may have any shape suitable for use in a vehicle. Platformgrating 375 is secured to platform 415 by any suitable method such as bywelding, glue, and the like. Platform 415 also has openings 405. In anembodiment as illustrated in FIG. 15, openings 405 may be of a suitableconfiguration and size to allow an individual to pass a portion of theindividual's hands therethrough for movement of platform 415. Openings405 pass through platform 415 and platform grating 375. In alternativeembodiments (not illustrated), openings 405 have any configuration andsize suitable for a desired purpose. Platform 415 is shown with twoopenings 405 but in alternative embodiments (not illustrated) may haveone opening 405 or more than two openings 405. Platform 415 also hasdrains 400. Without limitation, drains 400 allow liquids disposed on thetop side of platform 415 to pass through platform 415 via drains 400.Platform upper assembly 240 also includes platform tube core 420.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, ratchet 395 includes platform riser tube440 and ratchet rail 445. Ratchet 395 may be secured to platform 415 byany suitable method such as by weld, screws, glue, and the like. In anembodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, ratchet 395 is secured toplatform tube core 420, which is secured to platform 415. Ratchet 395 issecured by securing top portion 315 using any suitable means. Ratchet395 is slidable within support column 390. Without limitation, platformtube core 420 provides reinforcement strength to platform 415. Further,without limitation, platform tube core 420 facilitates production.Platform tube core 420 may be secured to platform 415 by any suitablemethod. Platform riser tube 440 has a length sufficient to allow ratchetplatform 415 to be adjusted to any desirable height of an individualstanding on platform 415. Platform riser tube 440 also has aconfiguration suitable for slidable disposition within support column390. Ratchet rail 445 is secured to a side of platform riser tube 440.In some embodiments, platform upper assembly 240 also includes crashblocks 425. Without limitation, crash blocks 425 prevent damage to uppertube guide 500 (not illustrated) from contact by support column 390.Crash blocks 425 are also secured to platform 415. In an embodiment asillustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, crash blocks 425 are secured to platform415 by securing of crash blocks 425 to platform tube core 420. In someembodiments, platform upper assembly 240 also includes platform gussets430 and gusset wall 435. Platform gussets 430 are brackets that providesupport to platform 415. In an embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and16, platform upper assembly 240 includes four platform gussets 430 butin alternative embodiments (not illustrated) includes more than four orless than four platform gussets 430. Platform gussets 430 are secured togusset wall 435 and/or a bottom side of platform 415. In an embodiment,gusset wall 435 extends about the periphery of platform tube core 420.As further shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, some embodiments of ratchetplatform 415 include platform upper assembly 240 having an attachmentopening 410 through platform 415 and platform grating 375.

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of platform upper assembly 240. In anembodiment as illustrated, platform grating 375 substantially covers thetop surface of platform 415 but not openings 405 and attachment opening410. In embodiments as illustrated, openings 405 are disposed atlocations on platform 415 sufficient to allow an individual to pick upand move ratchet platform 70.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exploded view of platform upper assembly 240. Asshown, platform tube core 420 is disposed within gusset wall 435. Inembodiments, ratchet rail 445 is secured to platform riser tube 440 byscrews 450.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective bottom view of platform lower assembly365. In embodiments as illustrated, a lower portion 570 of supportcolumn 390 passes through platform base 385. Without limitation,allowing lower portion 570 of support column 390 to pass trough platformbase 385 provides a desired range of adjustability. Support column 390includes actuator grooves 550 on opposing sides of support column 390.In an embodiment, platform base 385 is adapted to be secured within avehicle (i.e., to a floor of the vehicle).

FIG. 20 illustrates an exploded view of platform lower assembly 365.Support column 390 includes pedal opening 320 of sufficient dimensionsto facilitate pedal sub assembly 540 (not illustrated). Pedal pivotsupports 455 are disposed on opposing sides of pedal opening 320.Platform base 385 includes platform base opening 325 of sufficientdimensions to allow lower portion 570 to pass therethrough. In someembodiments, support column 390 is secured to platform base 385 by pressfit.

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of ratchet platform 70 in whichplatform upper assembly actuator 380 includes pedal sub assembly 540. InFIG. 21, platform upper assembly actuator 380 is shown in exploded view.FIG. 22 illustrates a cross sectional side view of the embodiment ofratchet platform 70 illustrated in FIG. 21. Platform upper assemblyactuator 380 includes pedal sub assembly 540 and may have any suitableconfiguration for actuating platform upper assembly 240. As shown, aportion of pedal linkage 565 of pedal sub assembly 540 passes throughpedal opening 320 into interior 330 of support column 390. Pedal subassembly 540 may have any suitable configuration for actuation. FIG. 23illustrates an embodiment of pedal sub assembly 540 in which pedal subassembly 540 includes pedal 555, pedal pivot pin 560, and pedal linkage565. In an embodiment, pedal 555 has sufficient size to allow actuationby pressure from the foot of an individual. Pedal sub assembly 540 maybe attached to support column 390 by any suitable method. In anembodiment as shown in FIGS. 21-23, bolt 545 passes through pedal pivotsupports 455 and pedal pivot pin 560. Nut 530 secures bolt 545. In anembodiment, bolt 545 also passes through washers 510. In someembodiments, one or more torsion springs 535 are attached to pedal subassembly 540. FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of a torsion spring535. In embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 21, 22, and 25, a torsionspring 535 is disposed on each side of pedal sub assembly 540 outside ofthe pedal pivot supports 455. The torsion springs 535 are attached topedal sub assembly 540 by bolt 545. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, theportion of pedal linkage 565 in interior 330 is attached to upperlinkage 515 at one end 335. Pedal linkage 565 and upper linkage 515 arerotatable in relation to each other at end 335. Upper linkage 515 runslongitudinally within interior 330 and is secured to support column 390at the other end 340. An embodiment of upper linkage 515 is illustratedin FIG. 24 in which upper linkage 515 has upper linkage groove 345. Inan embodiment, the end of pedal linkage 565 opposite pedal 555 isdisposed within upper linkage groove 345 and attached to upper linkage515. In an embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 21, 22, and 24, end 340 ofupper linkage 515 is slidably attached to support column 390 by ratchetpin 520 passing through end 340 and actuator groove 550. Ratchet pin 520may be secured by any suitable method. In an embodiment as illustratedin FIG. 21, ratchet pin 520 is secured by washers 510 and external snaprings 525. Upper linkage 515 slides ratchet pin 520 longitudinally upthrough the length of actuator groove 550 when upper linkage 515 is inan upward motion and down through the length of actuator groove 550 whenupper linkage 515 is in a downward motion. Ratchet pin 520 is suitablydisposed within actuator groove 550 to allow teeth 350 of ratchet rail445 to be disposed thereupon when ratchet pin 520 is in the downwardposition (i.e., at the bottom of actuator groove 550). Platform risertube 440 passes through upper tube guide 500 and lower tube guide 505.Upper tube guide 500 and lower tube guide 505 are secured to supportcolumn 390. Actuator groove 550 is disposed on support column 390between upper tube guide 500 and lower tube guide 505. Upper tube guide500 and lower tube guide 505 prevent unwanted lateral movement ofplatform riser tube 440 and facilitate maintaining movement of platformriser tube 440 in a longitudinal direction. Upper tube guide 500 andlower tube guide 505 may be secured to support column 390 by anysuitable method. In the embodiment as shown, upper tube guide 500 andlower tube guide 505 are secured to support column 390 by screws 450.

In operation of the embodiments of ratchet platform 70 illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 13-25, ratchet platform 70 is placed in a vehicle (notillustrated). Ratchet platform 70 is secured in a desirable locationwithin the vehicle. Ratchet platform 70 may be secured by any suitablemethod such as by screwing ratchet platform 70 to a floor or othersurface of the vehicle. The vehicle may include any vehicle such as atruck, car, military vehicle, helicopter, air plane, and the like. In anembodiment, ratchet platform 70 is placed in a military vehicle in whichit is desired for an individual to stand on platform 415. For instance,in some military vehicles, it is desired for an individual to operateweaponry (i.e., machine gun) that is located on the outside of thevehicle. In such an embodiment, a portion of the individual's body isdisposed outside of the vehicle during operation of the weaponry withthe remainder of the individual's body within the military vehicle forprotection. The height of platform 415 is adjusted by pressing pedal555. Each time pedal 555 is pressed, the pressure from pedal 555actuates pedal linkage 565 and pedal linkage 565 moves upwards, whichthereby actuates upper linkage 515 longitudinally upward. Thelongitudinal movement of upper linkage 515 slides ratchet pin 520longitudinally upward through the length of actuator groove 550. Theupward movement of ratchet pin 520 applies force to a tooth 350 ofratchet rail 445 thereby actuating platform upper assembly 240, whichmoves upward. Pressure is released from pedal 555, and torsion spring535 applies force to pedal linkage 565 to actuate pedal linkage 565 andmove pedal linkage 565 downward, which actuates upper linkage 515 tomove longitudinally downward. Such downward movement of upper linkage515 slides ratchet pin 520 downward through the length of actuatorgroove 550 to allow the tooth 350 below the previous tooth 350 (in whichthe force was applied) to be disposed upon ratchet pin 520. By suchdisposition of the next tooth 350 upon ratchet pin 520, further downwardmovement of platform upper assembly 240 is prevented. Pedal 555 may bepressed and released until platform 415 is at the desired height. Toreduce the height of platform 415, pedal 555 is pressed and held, whichmaintains ratchet pin 520 in an upper position within actuator groove550. With ratchet pin 520 maintained in an upper position withinactuator groove 550, ratchet pin 520 is not in contact with teeth 350,and platform upper assembly 240 slides downward until the pressure isreleased from pedal 555 or support column 390 contacts platform 415. Asplatform upper assembly 240 slides downward, platform riser tube 440slides downward in interior 330.

FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of ratchetplatform 70 in which ratchet platform 70 further includes energyattenuation system 205. FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate side views of anembodiment of ratchet platform 70 including energy attenuation system205. Energy attenuation system 205 includes any system suitable forreducing or preventing energy applied to the bottom 355 of ratchetplatform 70 from passing to the individual standing on platform 415. Forinstance, in an embodiment in which ratchet platform 70 is disposedwithin a military vehicle, a mine or improvised explosive deviceexploding underneath or near the military vehicle applies force to themilitary vehicle and thereby to ratchet platform 70. Energy attenuationsystem 205 reduces or prevents the energy from passing through ratchetplatform 70 to the individual standing on platform 415, therebyprotecting the individual from harm. Without limitation, an example of asuitable energy attenuation system 205 includes a SHOCKRIDE CRUSH BOX,commercially available from ArmorWorks Enterprises, LLC. Energyattenuation system 205 is secured to platform base 385. In anembodiment, energy attenuation system 205 is secured to a bottom side ofplatform base 385.

FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of energyattenuation system 205 including outer covering 270. Outer covering 270is secured to the periphery of energy attenuation system 205. In anembodiment, outer covering 270 is removeable. Without limitation, outercovering 270 prevents unwanted objects from being disposed within energyattenuation system 205. In an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 29,energy attenuation system 205 also includes energy attenuation opening265, which is an opening through the interior of energy attenuationsystem 205. In an embodiment, energy attenuation opening 265 hassuitable dimensions to allow ratchet 395 to pass therethrough.

In some embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 26-28, ratchet platform 70further includes base plate 210 and seat plate 215. FIG. 30 illustratesa perspective view of base plate 210 and seat plate 215. FIG. 31illustrates a top cross sectional view of base plate 210 and seat plate215. Seat plate 215 is secured to platform base 385 or, in embodimentsin which ratchet platform 70 includes energy attenuation system 205, toenergy attenuation system 205. Seat plate 215 provides support toplatform upper assembly 240, platform lower assembly 365, and energyattenuation system 205. Seat plate 215 includes seat plate rails 230 onopposing sides of seat plate 215. In embodiments as illustrated in FIGS.30, 31, and 33, seat plate 215 further includes seat plate opening 275,which has suitable configuration to allow ratchet 395 to passtherethrough. In an embodiment, base plate 210 has a length greater thanseat plate 215. Base plate 210 is secured to the vehicle. In someembodiments, base plate 210 is secured to the floor of the vehicle. Baseplate 210 has base plate rails 260 on opposing sides of base plate 210.Each base plate rail 260 has slidable contact with the opposing seatplate rail 230 whereby seat plate 215 is longitudinally slidable alongbase plate 210 with seat plate rails 230 moving longitudinally along thestationary base plate rails 260. FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate embodimentsof base plate rails 260 and seat plate rails 230, respectively. Asshown, the configurations of seat plate rails 230 and base plate rails260 match each other. Longitudinal movement of seat plate 215 inrelation to base plate 210 allows platform upper assembly 240, platformlower assembly 365, and energy attenuation system 205 to be positionedin different horizontal directions. Seat plate release pins 225 areinserted through a pin opening 360 of base plate rail 260 when matchedwith a pin opening 360 of seat plate rail 230 to prevent movement ofseat plate 215 and lock seat plate 215 in place. The seat plate releasepins 225 are inserted on opposing sides of base plate 210 and seat plate215. In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), seat plate releasepins 225 are inserted on the same side of base plate 210 and seat plate215. In other alternative embodiments (not illustrated), only one seatplate release pin 225 is used or more than two seat plate release pins225 are used. In some embodiments, base plate 210 includes base plateshim bars 220. An embodiment of base plate shim bar 220 is illustratedin FIG. 36. Without limitation, base plate shim bars 220 limit theamount of energy that is stored in base plate 210 in an improvisedexplosive device (IED) event by minimizing its deflection. FIG. 32illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of base plate 210.

In other embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 26-28, ratchet platform 70also includes ratchet platform attachment means 575. Ratchet platformattachment means 575 includes any means suitable for attaching ratchetplatform 70 to seat assembly 10. In an embodiment as illustrated inFIGS. 26-28 and FIG. 37, ratchet platform attachment means 575 includesstrap 235, strap retractor 245 and release hook 300. Strap retractor 245is a device suitable for retracting a strap 235 and for allowing strap235 to be pulled forth from strap retractor 245 and that also preventsextraction of strap 235 when a certain level of tension is applied. Anexample of a strap retractor 245 is a seat belt retractor used inautomobiles. Strap 235 includes any suitable type of strap. Forinstance, in an embodiment, strap 235 includes a long narrow strip ofpliant material. In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), strap 235is a cable. In an embodiment, strap 235 passes through strap ring 310before entering and after exiting strap retractor 245. Withoutlimitation, strap ring 310 facilitates extraction and retraction ofstrap retractor 245. A release hook 300 is attached to the end of strap235 opposite strap retractor 245. Release hook 300 includes any type ofhook suitable for attaching to an object such as base strap attachmentmeans 95. In some embodiments, release hook 300 is attached to seat 20(i.e., base strap attachment means 95) after passing through attachmentopening 410. Without limitation, such an attachment prevents unwantedupward movement of seat 20 (i.e., during a roll over) but allows desiredmovement of the individual to perform tasks. In an embodiment asillustrated, release hook 300 is a quick release hook with a swivel. Insome embodiments, ratchet platform attachment means 575 includes releasestrap 295. Release strap 295 is attached to release hook 300, and asufficient pulling force on release strap 295 releases release hook 300.In an embodiment, release strap 295 includes a visual 280. Visual 280includes any means for increasing visibility of release strap 295. In anembodiment, visual 280 includes fluorescent material. Visual 280 issecured to release strap 295 by any suitable means such as by stitching285. In an embodiment, release strap 295 also includes grip 290 at theend of release strap 295 opposite the end of release strap 295 attachedto release hook 300. In an embodiment, ratchet platform attachment means575 includes strap adjustment 305. Strap adjustment 305 includes anymeans suitable for attaching release hook 300 to strap 235 such asVELCRO, which is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries N.V.

In an embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 26-28, strap retractor 245 issecured to platform base 385. In an embodiment in which ratchet platform70 includes energy attenuation system 205, strap retractor 245 issecured to platform base 385 and energy attenuation system 205. In anembodiment (not illustrated), securing means such as bolts secure strapretractor 245 to platform base 385 and energy attenuation system 205. Insuch an embodiment, on the inside of energy attenuation system 205 arereinforcement strips through which the securing means (i.e., bolts)pass. Without limitation, the reinforcement strips facilitate securingof strap retractor 245 to platform base 385. For instance, thereinforcement straps prevent tension during a vehicle rollover fromcausing strap retractor 245 from separating from platform base 385 andenergy attenuation system 205. In embodiments as illustrated, releasehook 300 is passed through attachment opening 410.

In an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 26-27, ratchet platform 70 alsoincludes ratchet platform attachment strap 250. An end of ratchetplatform attachment strap 250 is secured to platform base 385. In anembodiment as illustrated, ratchet platform attachment strap 250 issecured to platform base 385 by strap receiving means 255. The other endof ratchet platform attachment strap 250 is attached to platform 415.Ratchet platform attachment strap 250 has sufficient tension to preventunwanted extension of platform upper assembly 240. Without limitation,in an instance when the vehicle rolls over, the force of the roll overapplies tension to platform upper assembly 240. Ratchet platformattachment strap 250 prevents the tension from causing unwantedextension of platform upper assembly 240.

It is to be understood that platform upper assembly 240 is not limitedto platform 415, platform grating 375 and toe queue 370. In alternativeembodiments (not illustrated), platform upper assembly 240 includesplatform 415 and toe queue 370 or platform grating 375. In otheralternative embodiments (not illustrated), platform upper assembly 240includes platform 415 but does not include toe queue 370 and platformgrating 375.

The vehicle In which soldier platform system 5 is secured may includeany vehicle such as a truck, car, military vehicle, helicopter, airplane, and the like. In an embodiment, the vehicle is a militaryvehicle.

It is to be understood that soldier platform system 5 is not limited tosoldiers but may be used for any type of individual.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A soldier platform system in a vehicle, comprising: a seat assemblycomprising a seat and straps, the seat solely supported by the straps; arestraint harness belt, wherein the restraint harness belt is secured tothe seat assembly; mounting assemblies, wherein the straps attach theseat to the mounting assemblies; a ratchet platform comprising: aplatform upper assembly, wherein the platform upper assembly is disposedto allow a soldier to stand upon the platform upper assembly when thesoldier is disposed within the restraint harness belt; and a platformlower assembly.
 2. The soldier platform system of claim 1, wherein themounting assemblies are securable in the vehicle.
 3. The soldierplatform system of claim 1, wherein attachment of at least one of thestraps to the seat is releasable by a release assembly.
 4. The soldierplatform system of claim 1, further comprising a ratchet platformattachment means that is secured to the platform lower assembly and isattached to the seat.
 5. The soldier platform system of claim 4, whereinthe ratchet platform attachment means comprises a strap retractor and astrap.
 6. The soldier platform system of claim 3, wherein at least oneof the release assemblies comprises a release strap.
 7. The soldierplatform system of claim 1, wherein the restraint harness belt comprisesa belt release and a pull strap, wherein the pull strap releases thebelt release.
 8. The soldier platform system of claim 1, furthercomprising a shoulder harness, wherein the shoulder harness is attachedto the restraint harness belt.
 9. The soldier platform system of claim8, wherein the shoulder harness comprises release assemblies.
 10. Thesoldier platform system of claim 1, wherein the platform lower assemblycomprises a support column and a platform base.
 11. The soldier platformsystem of claim 1, further comprising an energy attenuation system. 12.The soldier platform system of claim 1, further comprising a seat plateand a base plate, wherein the seat plate is slidably engaged with thebase plate.
 13. The soldier platform system of claim 1, wherein theplatform upper assembly comprises a platform and a ratchet.
 14. Thesoldier platform system of claim 13, wherein the ratchet comprises aplatform riser tube and a ratchet rail secured to the platform risertube.
 15. The soldier platform system of claim 1, further comprising aplatform upper assembly actuator.
 16. The soldier platform system ofclaim 15, wherein the platform upper assembly actuator comprises a pedalsub assembly.
 17. The soldier platform system of claim 1, wherein theplatform upper assembly comprises a toe queue.
 18. The soldier platformsystem of claim 1, wherein the platform upper assembly comprises aplatform grating.
 19. The soldier platform system of claim 1, furthercomprising a ratchet platform attachment strap.
 20. The soldier platformsystem of claim 1, wherein the platform lower assembly comprises aplatform base and an energy attenuation system, and wherein the platformbase comprises a bottom side, and further wherein the energy attenuationsystem is secured to the bottom side of the platform base.